Apparatus, flexible bag and method for dispensing

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for dispensing a fluent material such as a beverage. The fluent material is dispensed directly from a flexible bag to a container without any intervening structure which contacts the fluent material. Accordingly, the apparatus can be constructed of less expensive materials and does not require frequent cleaning. The apparatus has particular application where aseptic conditions need to be maintained such as in the packaging of the food and medicine. A flow control is adapted to receive at least a portion of one flexible bag and to deform the bag to produce flow of fluent material out of the bag without contact of the fluent material by the flow control.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. applicationSer. No. 09/909,422, filed Jul. 19, 2001, and U.S. application Ser. No.09/978,649, filed Oct. 16, 2001.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates generally to dispensing of a fluentmaterial, and more particularly to dispensing fluent material from aflexible bag by manipulation of the bag.

[0003] Manufacturing and merchandising processes frequently have as acomponent element the dispensing of a fluent material to a container.Such fluent materials include food, beverages, and medicinal products inthe form of liquids, powders, slurries, dispersions, particulate solidsor other pressure transportable fluidizable material. The product istypically provided through a vending or processing machine.

[0004] Food and medicinal products must be handled by the machine insuch a way as to maintain aseptic conditions. Accordingly, the parts ofthe machine which handle the food are made of materials (e.g., stainlesssteel) which are highly resistant to corrosion and can be cleaned.However, such materials are expensive and significantly increase costs.Many food products are prone to leave crumbs, residue or other debris asthey are handled, which cause the machine to become unsanitary. It isinefficient to frequently clean a machine and this increases the cost ofthe product.

[0005] A beverage merchandiser for dispensing a selected beverage shouldalso provide for precise mixing of beverage components, accuratevolumetric delivery, and ready replenishment. Unfortunately,merchandisers of the prior art do not provide these capabilities in anefficient and clean system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Among the several objects and features of the present inventionmay be noted the provision of apparatus and method for dispensing afluent material to an article; the provision of such an apparatus andmethod useful for beverage dispensing; the provision of such anapparatus and method which handle fluent materials while keeping theapparatus clean; the provision of such an apparatus and method which arecapable of maintaining aseptic conditions; the provision of such anapparatus and method which allow the flexible bag to be used multipletimes; the provision of such an apparatus and method useful for vendingmixed products; and the provision of such an apparatus and method whichare economical and easy to use.

[0007] Further among the several objects and features of the presentinvention may be noted the provision of a flexible bag used to dispensea fluent material which is capable of dispensing at multiple outlets;the provision of such a flexible bag for use in beverage dispensing; theprovision of such a bag which can be manipulated to dispense directly toan article from the bag within any intervening structure; the provisionof such a bag which can store and deliver a product in an asepticcondition; the provision of such a flexible bag which contains multiplecomponents of a mixture to be dispensed; the provision of such aflexible bag which can be rapidly replaced; and the provision of such abag which is economical to use in manufacture.

[0008] Generally, a merchandiser according to the present inventionselectively dispenses fluent material. The merchandiser comprises amount for supporting at least one flexible bag of fluent material. Aflow control is adapted to receive at least a portion of one flexiblebag and to deform the bag to produce flow of fluent material out of thebag without contact of the fluent material by the flow control. Aselector is for actuation by a customer to initiate operation of theflow control to dispense a selected fluent material.

[0009] In another aspect, a flexible bag of the present invention is foruse in dispensing a fluent material. The bag is formed of flexiblematerial and shaped for substantially enclosing a volume for containingthe fluent material. The bag comprises a body and plural nipples, eachnipple being integral with the body, projecting outwardly from the body,and having an open outer end. The body and nipples are in fluidcommunication for movement of the fluent material from the body to thenipples. Plugs including a plug for each of the nipples resealably closethe open ends of the nipples.

[0010] In yet another aspect, a beverage dispenser according to thepresent invention is capable of dispensing a beverage in the form of amixture of fluent beverage components. The beverage dispenser comprisesa mount adapted to support multiple flexible bags containing fluentbeverage components. A flow control is adapted to receive at least aportion of each of the flexible bags and to deform the bags to produceflow of fluent beverage components out of the bags without contact ofthe fluent beverage components by the flow control. A selector isassociated with the cabinet for actuation by a customer to select adesired beverage thereby initiating operation of the flow control todispense fluent beverage components.

[0011] In a further aspect, a method of the invention dispenses a fluentmaterial to articles which receive the fluent material. The methodcomprises the steps of selectively dispensing fluent material to thearticles through open ends of nipples of a first flexible bag positionedfor dispensing fluent material to the articles by deforming the nipplesto eject fluent material therefrom. The open ends of the nipples of thefirst flexible bag are sealed. A second flexible bag having nipples ispositioned for dispensing fluent material from the nipples to thearticles, and fluent material is selectively dispensed to the articlesthrough open ends of the nipples of second flexible bag by deforming thenipples to eject fluent material therefrom.

[0012] In yet a further aspect, a flow control according to the presentinvention is for use with flexible bags to push fluent material from thebags by deformation of the bags. The flow control comprises a frame, afirst platen mounted on the frame, a second platen mounted on the frame,and a third platen mounted on the frame. The first and second platensare adapted to receive portions of at least one of the flexible bagstherebetween, and the first and third platens being adapted to receiveportions of at least one of the flexible bags therebetween. The first,second and third platens are mounted for movement relative to eachother. The first platen is movable between a first position in which thefirst and second platens and the first and third platens each define afirst space for containing the bag portions and a second position inwhich the first and second platens and the first and third platens eachdefine a second space for containing the bag portions. The second spaceis smaller than the first space.

[0013] In still another aspect, a flow control of the invention is foruse with flexible bags to push fluent material from the bags bydeformation of the bags. The flow control comprises a frame, a firstplaten mounted on the frame, and a second platen mounted on the frame.The first and second platens are adapted to receive portions of at leastone of the flexible bags therebetween and for relative movement betweena first position in which the first and second platens define a firstspace for containing the bag portions and a second position in which thefirst and second platens define a second space for containing the bagportions. The second space is smaller than the first space. The firstplaten comprises multiple first platen elements each being mounted formovement relative to the other first platen elements and relative to thesecond platen between the first and second positions. The second platenand each of the first platen elements are adapted to receive arespective one of the bag portions.

[0014] In one more aspect, a flow control of the invention is for usewith flexible bags to push fluent material from the bags by deformationof the bags. The flow control comprises a frame, a first platen mountedon the frame, and a second platen mounted on the frame. The first andsecond platens are adapted to receive portions of at least one of theflexible bags therebetween and for relative movement between a firstposition in which the first and second platens define a first space forcontaining the bag portions and a second position in which the first andsecond platens define a second space for containing the bag portions.The second space is smaller than the first space. The first and secondplatens each have grooves therein for receiving the bag portions. Thegrooves of the first and second platens are arranged in pairs generallyin registration in the first position of the first and second platensand at least partially out of registration in the second position. Thevolume of the grooves of at least one groove pair is different than thevolume of the grooves of at least one of the other groove pairs fordispensing a different quantity of the fluent material.

[0015] In yet another aspect of the present invention, apparatus fordispensing fluent material in a mixture of fluent components comprises amount adapted to support multiple flexible bags containing fluentcomponents. A flow control is adapted to receive at least a portion ofeach of the flexible bags and to deform the bags to produce flow offluent components out of the bags without contact of the fluentcomponents by the flow control. The flow control is constructed andarranged to permit mixing of fluent components from different flexiblebags upon discharge from the flow control.

[0016] Other objects and features of the present invention will be inpart apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017]FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of apparatus forautomatically filling containers of the present invention;

[0018]FIG. 2A is a diagrammatic flow of the apparatus illustrating itsoperation in a forward feed mode;

[0019]FIG. 2B is a diagrammatic flow of the apparatus illustrating itsoperation in a fill, seal and separate mode;

[0020]FIG. 3 is an elevation of a flexible bag with parts broken away toshow the integral connection of nipples to the bag;

[0021]FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective of the apparatus showing a pumpthereof without the bag and open in preparation for receiving the bagnipples;

[0022]FIG. 5 is a enlarged, fragmentary elevation taken from the vantageindicated by line 5-5 of FIG. 1 with parts broken away to illustrate thereception of nipples in the pump;

[0023]FIG. 6 is a fragmentary, schematic elevation similar to FIG. 5 butshowing another pump capable of delivering fluent material at differentrates or in different amounts from the different nipples;

[0024]FIG. 7 is an enlarged, fragmentary view of apparatus similar tothat shown in FIG. 1 but including a bag squeezing mechanism to forcefluent material toward the nipples and pump;

[0025]FIG. 8 is a fragmentary view of the flexible bag showing one ofthe nipples receiving a needle in its outlet;

[0026]FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective of another flexible bag havingresealable nipples;

[0027]FIG. 9A is a view similar to FIG. 9 showing a version of the baghaving nipples of varying diameters;

[0028]FIG. 10 is a perspective of a second version of the pump;

[0029]FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 10 showing the bag of FIG. 9installed in the pump;

[0030]FIG. 12 is a fragmentary, schematic perspective of platens of thepump squeezing one of the nipples to pump fluent material;

[0031]FIG. 13A is a section in plan taken on line 13-13 of FIG. 12showing a nipple being squeezed;

[0032]FIG. 13B is a view similar to FIG. 13A showing a nipple releasedfrom squeezing;

[0033]FIG. 14 is a view similar to FIG. 13A and illustrating a stroke ofthe platens;

[0034]FIG. 15 is a view similar to FIG. 14 and illustrating a reducedstroke;

[0035]FIGS. 16A and 16B are elevations of one platen of a pumpillustrating options in groove geometry on platens for metering flow;

[0036]FIG. 17A is a section in plan illustrating a third version of thepump having three platens and capable of accepting ten nipples;

[0037]FIG. 17B is a section similar to FIG. 17A with a platen moved to aposition to squeeze the nipples;

[0038]FIG. 18 is a section similar to FIG. 17A showing a fourth versionof the pump having independently moveable platen elements;

[0039]FIG. 19 is an elevation of a second embodiment of the presentinvention in the form of a point of sale merchandiser;

[0040]FIGS. 20 and 21 are schematic, internal elevations of first andsecond versions of the merchandiser of FIG. 19;

[0041]FIG. 22 is a block diagram illustrating control of themerchandiser; and

[0042]FIG. 23 is a perspective of a third embodiment of the presentinvention in the form of another merchandiser illustrating its receptionof flexible bags.

[0043] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0044] Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIG. 1,apparatus of the present invention for forming containers 10, fillingthe containers with a fluent material F and sealing the containers isindicated generally at 12. The apparatus includes a support 14 whichsuspends a flexible bag (or “reservoir”) 16 holding the fluent materialF, and mounts a pump 18 (the reference numerals designating theirsubjects generally). The fluent material F may be a food or medicinalproduct, but is not limited to materials consumed or otherwise used onor in the body. Moreover, the material may be of such a nature that itis fluent only at the time it is delivered from the bag 16. The presentinvention is particularly adapted for use to maintain an asepticenvironment for the fluent material F, but has application where it isnot necessary that such an environment be maintained. Although thesubstance is preferably a liquid or semi-liquid, solids which aresufficiently granular to flow may also be held in the flexible bag 16.As one example of the type of product packaged, the fluent material Fcould be honey to be packaged in small, disposable containers 10 such asfor single serving use by customers of a restaurant.

[0045] A conveyor of the apparatus 12 is generally indicated at 19 andincludes in the illustrated embodiment a first feed roller 20 holding aroll of material to form containers 10 extending forward from the firstfeed roller in a web 22, and a take-up roller 24 which receives aremnant of the web. A first guide roller 26 is provided to locate theweb 22 in a horizontal position while permitting the web to changedirection to reach the take-up roller 24. A belt conveyor 28 locatedunder the web 22 at the downstream end of the web receives sealedcontainers 10 which are separated from the web, and conveys them fortumble packaging in a box B. It is to be understood that theillustration of the conveyor 19 is schematic as the details ofconstruction are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art in thefield of such apparatus. Moreover, although the conveyor 19 isillustrated to include rollers 20, 24 which let out and take up the web22 of material from which the containers 10 are formed, other conveyorsare envisioned. For instance, a belt or other moving surface or support(not shown) which receives pre-formed containers could be used withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention. In that instance, thefirst feed roller 20 and belt conveyor 28 would not be present.

[0046] Further, it is envisioned that a conveyor for establishingrelative motion between the containers 10 and the flexible bag 16 couldinclude not only the conveyor 19, but also structure for moving the bagwhile the containers are stationary, or structure which produces somecombination of movement of the bag and movement of the containers. Inany event if the bag 16 is the frame of reference, the containers 10will move past the bag. Still further, it is not necessary that thefluent material F be used to fill containers of any type. Indeed thefluent material can be applied to the exterior of an article (or“receiving member”), such as the application of icing to a manufacturedfood product, which does not “contain” the fluent material. The fluentmaterial could also be injected into the article.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, containers 10 are formed from theweb 22 by a die 32 and a form (not shown) which come together justupstream from the first feed roller 20 to deform the web intorectangular, flat-bottomed depressions constituting the containers. Thedie 32 contains recesses 34 having shapes substantially the same as thatof the containers 10 to be formed. The form, which would be locatedabove the web 22, has not been shown so as not to obstruct the view ofthe flexible bag 16. The shape of the end of the form is the reverse ofthe recess so that the form may fit into the recess, forming the web 22between them. The form and die 32 create one laterally extending row ofcontainers 10 from the web 22 on a single stroke. In the illustratedembodiment, the rows constitute an array of containers 10. However asused herein, an array can refer to a single file line of containers oronly a single container placed under the bag 16 for filling. As shown,the containers 10 are formed by stretching the web 22 withoutsubstantially affecting the lateral dimension or shape of the web.However, some dimensional variation can be tolerated if the containers10 retain their relative arrangement. Once formed, the containers 10retain their shape, but remain part of the web 22 and move with the web.The containers may also be thermoformed without departing from the scopeof this invention.

[0048] The web 22 passes forwardly from the form and die 32 under theflexible bag 16 held by the support 14. The bag 16 is made of a flexiblematerial (which as used herein would include a limp material), which canbe formed in a sterile environment or formed and filled in a non-sterileenvironment and then subject to a sterilizing process. However asmentioned above, the bag 16 could also be used for products notrequiring a aseptic conditions. Any suitable material could be used toform the bag 16, such as an appropriate polymer, including withoutlimitation polyvinyl chloride, polyolefin, polymer laminates and polymeralloys. As shown, the bag 16 is transparent so that the flowable productcarried by the bag can be readily seen to determine if the bag is empty.However, other ways (not illustrated) of establishing whether the bag 16is nearing empty can be employed, such as electronic eyes which view thelevel of fluent material F, and devices to weigh the bag.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 3, the bag 16 comprises a thin-walled body 38which encloses a volume containing the large majority of the fluentmaterial F. At the upper end of the body 38, two laterally elongateloops 40, together constituting in the illustrated embodiment “ahanger”, are formed as one piece with the remainder of the bag 16. Theloops 40 can be also formed separately from the bag 16 and attached tothe body 38 in a suitable manner such as by welding, adhesive or with amechanical fastener(s). The loops 40 receive a mounting rod 42 of thesupport 14 which extends laterally of the bag and holds the bag on thesupport. The ends of the rod 42 are received in upwardly opening,U-shaped receptacles 44 at the upper ends of uprights 45 of the support14. The receptacles 44 hold the rod 42 and the bag 16, but permit thebag to be removed from the support 14 and replaced, by lifting the rodout of the receptacles, sliding the loops 40 off of the rod and slidinga new bag (not shown) onto the rod. The rod 42 supporting the new bagcan then be replaced with its ends in the U-shaped receptacles 44 forcontinued operation. Of course other ways of supporting the bag 16 maybe employed without departing from the scope of the present invention.Preferably, the bag 16 is supported so that it can be readily removedand replaced. It is envisioned that structure, such as a second supportand pump (not shown), could be used so that bags could be changed outwithout any interruption in operation of the apparatus 12.

[0050] At the lower end of the body 38, four nipples 46 extending downfrom the body are in fluid communication with the interior of the bag 16for delivery of the fluent material F out of the bag and into thecontainers 10, as will be described more fully hereinafter. The numberof nipples 46 is preferably the same as the number of containers 10formed in each row. Naturally, the number of nipples and their precisearrangement can be varied as necessary for the particular manufacturingoperation. The nipples 46 are generally elongate tubes which areintegral with the body 38. The nipples have circular cross sectionalshape as shown in the drawings (i.e., the nipples are generallycylindric) but may have any shape without departing from the scope ofthis invention. The nipples 46 may be formed separately from the body 38and attached in a suitable manner, such as by welding, adhesive ormechanical fastener(s) to achieve integration with the bag materialwhich forms the body. However in the preferred embodiment, the nipples46 are formed of the same piece of material as the body 38 of the bag16. As initially formed, the lower ends of the nipples 46 are closed (asshown in FIG. 3) to seal the interior of the bag 16 to hold the fluentmaterial F in the bag. In manufacturing operation, the ends are cut orotherwise made to have outlets to allow the fluent material F to flowout of the bag 16. Preferably, the nipples 46 are tubular with nointernal structure. However, it is envisioned that the nipples could beequipped with internal valves or re-expansion devices (not shown)without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0051] The bag 16 can be formed in any suitable fashion. A typical wayof forming the bag 16 is to provide two webs of material which arebrought together and cut to shape by a die (not shown) to form anenclosure. At the same time the webs are cut to shape, adjacent theperipheral edges of the bag are welded together in the die, such as by asolvent or RF welding. The adjacent edges could also be heat sealed, forexample. As one alternative, a single web of polymeric material could befolded over against itself to form the enclosure. The folded web couldbe cut and sealed in a similar way as for the bag formed from two webs.Adjacent peripheral edges may be left unattached along a portion of thebag 16 to provide an opening for filling the bag with fluent material.

[0052] The nipples 46 are received through the pump 18 which acts on thenipples as by deforming the nipples to produce a metered flow of thefluent material F out of the bag 16. The pump 18 is mounted on thesupport 14 which also holds the bag 16 and extends transversely over theweb 22. The pump 18 illustrated in FIGS. 1, 4 and 5 is a shuttle pump,which includes a shuttle 50 and an anvil 52. The shuttle is mounted on astationary crosspiece 54 for sliding movement relative to the crosspieceand anvil 52 in a direction transverse to the web 22. A housing 56 atthe left end of the crosspiece 54 encloses a shuttle actuation mechanism(not shown). A door 58 hingedly attached to the crosspiece 54 carriesthe anvil 52. The door can be opened as shown in FIG. 4 to facilitatereception of the nipples 46 in the pump 18, and locked with a latch 60in a closed position for operation, as will be more fully described.Referring to FIG. 4, both the shuttle 50 and the anvil 52 are shaped tohave five flat plateaus (50A, 52A) separated by four valleys (50B, 52B).Except when the pump 18 is actuated to deliver fluent material F, theplateaus SOA, 52A and valleys 50B, 52B of the shuttle 50 and the anvil52 are in substantial registration when the door 58 is closed.

[0053] The nipples 46 are received in the aligned valleys 50B, 52B suchthat each nipple is surrounded by the shuttle 50 and anvil 52. In theillustrated embodiments, the nipples 46 are the portions or regions ofthe bag 16 which are received in or acted upon by the pump 18. Two ofthe nipples 46 are illustrated in FIG. 5 as received in the valleys 50B,52B, but only the valleys 50B may be seen because the door 58 and anvil52 have been broken away. The crosspiece 54 is further formed with upperand lower aligned slots 62 which are vertically aligned with the valleysof the anvil 52. The nipples 46 pass through these slots 62 uponentering and exiting the pump 18.

[0054] An upper pincher 64 and a lower pincher 66 located on one side ofeach slot 62 are mounted for extension and retraction from thecrosspiece 54 across the slot (i.e., transverse to the web 22).Alternately, the pinchers can be mounted for extension and retractionfrom the valleys 50B, 52B. The pinchers 64, 66 extend to pinch thenipples off, closing the nipples from fluid flow past the points wherethe nipples are pinched. The pinchers 64, 66 are separately actuatedfrom the shuttle 50 and the upper pinchers are separately actuated fromthe lower pinchers, as will be described more fully hereinafter, tofacilitate accurate dispensing of the fluent material F. A pump of thesame general type is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,151,019, thedisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Other pumps aredisclosed in copending U.S. application Ser. No. 09/978,649, entitled“Pump Having Flexible Liner and Compounding Apparatus Having Such aPump,” filed Oct. 16, 2001, and co-assigned U.S. application No. ______,entitled “Pump Having Flexible Liner and Merchandiser Having Such APump,” filed simultaneously herewith. Each of these applications isincorporated herein by reference.

[0055] Although the shuttle pump 18 is believed to be adequate for usein the apparatus 12, other forms of pumps may be used without departingfrom the scope of the present invention. The present pump 18 may be soconfigured that the upper pinchers 64 in each slot are separatelyactuated from each other, as are the lower pinchers 66 so that fluidflow from each nipple 46 is independent of that of the other nipples.However, the pump or fluid flow control device may take on other,entirely different forms. For instance and without limitation, aperistaltic pump (generally indicated at 70) of the type shown in FIG. 6could be used. The peristaltic pump 70 has a pump wheel 72 for eachnipple 46 including pegs 74 which extend perpendicularly outward fromthe wheel near its periphery. Each wheel 72 is mounted for rotation,such as by an individual electric motor (not shown) so that the pegs 74are brought into sequential engagement with the nipple 46 to forcefluent material F out of the nipple. By stopping the wheel 72 as shownin FIG. 6, the nipple would be pinched off so that no fluent materialwould exit the bag 16. The wheels 72 could be run at different times andat different speeds to vary the sequence of fluid delivery and/or theflow rate between nipples 46. The angular spacing between adjacent pegs74 on the wheels 72 could be different so that the amount of fluentmaterial dispensed for the same angular rotation of the wheels isdifferent. It is to be understood that FIG. 6 is but one example of analternate pump which could be used.

[0056] It will be necessary for viscous fluent material F to provide amover in addition to the pump 18 to cause the fluent material to flowfor refilling the nipples 46 after a discharge by the pump. A secondmover of this type is indicated generally by the reference numeral 90 inFIG. 7. The second mover is shown to comprise a pair of rollers 92mounted on arms 94 and located on opposite sides of the bag 16. Therollers 92 are mounted for free rotation about their longitudinal axes,and can be separated to facilitate removal and replacement of the bag16. The arms 94 are connected to a controlled actuator (not shown) whichis capable of indexing the arms down to gradually squeeze the bag 16from top to bottom to empty the bag. The downward movement of the arms94 to squeeze the body 38 of the bag 16 is used to force the fluentmaterial F downwardly into the nipples 46. It is envisioned that thearms 94 could be indexed down after the pump 18 has discharged to assistin refilling the nipples 46 for the next discharge.

[0057] As stated previously, the apparatus 12 has application wherefluent material F is applied onto an article, or injected into anarticle. Referring to FIG. 8, the bag 16 may have a fitment, in thiscase in the form of an injection needle 96, attached to each nipple 46(only one is shown). The needle 96 is formed of a suitably rigidmaterial and sealingly attached in the outlet of the nipple 46. Theneedle 96 could be captured by an injection device (not shown) to movethe needle down into the article before operation of the pump 18 toeject fluent material. Alternatively, the needle 96 could be heldstationary and the articles moved upward into the needles. It is to beunderstood that other types of fitments (not shown) could be usedwithout departing from the scope of the present invention. For instancea fitments which allow the nipple 46 to be attached to another nipple ortube (not shown), or which shape the fluent material F as it flows outof the nipple could be used. Moreover, the end of the nipple 46 could beformed to shape or control flow of the fluent material. Further, polymermaterial having different material characteristics (e.g., such asdensity and rigidity) could be integrally formed with the material ofthe bag 16 at the outlets for such purposes.

[0058] Downstream from the support 14 and the bag 16 is a mechanism forclosing the containers 10 filled with fluent material F. As shown inFIG. 1, a web 78 from a roll of closure material held by a second feedroller 80 is fed downwardly under a second guide roller 82 toward andunder the first guide roller 26 to the take-up roller 24. Thus, it maybe seen that the take-up roller 24 collects both remnants of thecontainer material web 22 and the closure material web 78. After passingunder the second guide roller 82, the closure material web 78 is inface-to-face relation with the unformed material of the web 22surrounding the open tops of the containers 10. The closure mechanismcomprises a heat sealing device 84 capable of coming down against theclosure material web 78 and sealing the closure material with thecontainer material of the web 22 so that the open tops of all fourcontainers 10 in the row are separately closed, sealing in the fluentmaterial F in the containers. A punch 86 and a die 88 downstream fromthe closing mechanism are operable to move together to punch through theclosure material web 78 and the container material web 22 to separateeach container 10 (including its own closure) from the containermaterial web and the closure material web. The remnants of the containermaterial web 22 and the closure material web 78 remain in tact formovement to the take-up roller 24. The punch 86 has four rectangularprojections 86A (only one is shown) and the die has four holes 88A (onlyone is shown), one for each container 10 in the row. The projections 86Aare received in the holes 88A when the punch 86 and die 88 are activatedto cut through the closure material web 78 and container material web22. The containers 10 drop down through the die 88 to the belt conveyor28 for transport to the box B.

[0059] Having described the construction of the apparatus 12 and theflexible bag 16, the operation of the apparatus will be described. As aninitial matter, flexible bags such as bag 16 will have been formed,filled with the fluent material F (e.g., honey) to be packaged in thecontainers 10, and sealed at a remote location, such as a processingplant. The method of the present invention is not limited to remoteforming, filling and sealing of the bags, but is suited for this type ofmanufacturing arrangement. The bags 16 are formed, filled with thefluent material F and sealed at the processing plant, and then placed ina suitable transport to the manufacturing facility where the finalpackaging is to be done. The bags can be formed, filled and sealed in anaseptic form/fill/seal machine, or could be formed under non-asepticconditions and then sterilized along with the fluent material after thebag is filled. As previously stated, it is not necessary that the bags16 be aseptic where the conditions do not require it, but bags of thistype are particularly adapted for use where aseptic conditions areneeded, such as in food or medicine packaging.

[0060] Once at the final packaging site, one of the bags 16 is loadedinto the apparatus 12 by lifting at least one end of the rod 42 out ofthe U-shaped receptacles 44 and sliding the bag onto the rod so that therod is received through both of the loops 40 at the top of the bag. Therod 42 is then replaced on the support 14 with its ends in thereceptacles 44. The door 58 of the pump 18 is open, substantially asshown in FIG. 4, and the nipples 46 are positioned in the upper andlower slots of the crosspiece 54 in registration with the valleys of theshuttle 50. The door 58 is then closed and the latch locked so that thenipples 46 are received in both the valleys of the shuttle 50 and thevalleys of the anvil 52 (FIG. 5). The first feed roller 20 will have hada roll of container material mounted thereon and the web 22 of containermaterial is threaded from the roll around the first guide roller 26 andattached to the take-up roller 24. Similarly, the roll of closurematerial is received on the second feed roller 80 and the web 78 ofclosure material is threaded around the second guide roller 82 to thefirst guide roller 26 and then attached to the take-up roller 24. Theapparatus 12 is ready for production operation to form, fill and sealcontainers 10.

[0061] Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the sequence of operation ofthe apparatus 12 is described. As illustrated in FIG. 2A, the first andsecond feed rollers 20, 80 and the take-up roller 24 are actuated (suchas by one or more electric motors, not shown) to index the containermaterial web 22 and the closure material web 78 forward one increment.The increment in the illustrated embodiment corresponds to the dimensionof one containers 10 to be formed which is parallel to the lengthwiseextent of the web 22 plus a predetermined amount corresponding to thespacing between adjacent rows of containers. The first and second feedrollers 20, 80 and the take-up roller 24 are halted to stop the forwardadvance of the container material web 22 and closure material web 78 fora dwell. The form and die 32 are actuated to engage the containermaterial web 22 to form a row of containers 10 still attached to thecontainer material web. The index and form steps are initially repeateduntil a row of formed containers 10 underlies the nipples 46 when thecontainer material web 22 dwells.

[0062] This time the shuttle pump 18 is actuated to deliver apreselected charge of fluent material F to each of the four containers10 in the row. After the bag 16 was installed in the apparatus 12 asdescribed above, the lower pinchers 66 were extended (to the positionshown in solid lines in FIG. 5) to pinch the nipples 46 near, but spacedsomewhat above their lower ends against the crosspiece 54 in the slots62. The ends of the nipples 46 were cut open to form outlets fordelivering fluent material F. The upper pinchers 64 are then extended topinch off the nipples 46 near their upper ends (the position shown insolid lines in FIG. 5) and define a charge of fluent material F locatedin each nipple between the upper pincher and the lower pincher 66. Afterthe first row of containers 10 stops under the nipples 46, the pump 18is activated to retract the lower pinchers 66 into the crosspiece 54(the position shown in phantom lines in FIG. 5) and slide the shuttle 50in a direction transverse to the container material web 22. Retractionof the lower pinchers 66 allows fluent material to flow out of thenipples 46 under the force of gravity. However, the pump 18 also deformsthe nipples 46 by squeezing to make certain the charges of fluentmaterial F between the pinchers 64, 66 is delivered out of the nipples.The sliding of the shuttle 50 moves the valleys 50B substantially out ofregistration with the nipples 46 and moves the plateaus 50Asubstantially into registration with the valleys 52B of the anvil 52,squeezing the nipples and forcing the fluent material out of the outletsat the lower ends and into the containers 10.

[0063] The shuttle 50 moves back to its original position and the lowerpinchers 66 are extended to close off the nipples 46 against furtherflow of fluent material F. The upper pinchers 64 are retracted and morefluent material moves down into the nipple, re-filling it. The upperpinchers 64 are then closed to pinch off the upper ends of the nipplesand define new charges of the same volume as the previous charges andthe cycle is repeated. The re-filling of the nipples 46 preferablyoccurs in the time it takes for the container material web 22 to beadvanced forward one row. It will be appreciated that the pump 18operates at the same time a new row of containers 10 is being formedduring a dwell of the container material web 22. It is envisioned thatadditional rollers or other devices (not shown) to hold the web 22 fromvibrating under the bag 16 as a result of the act of forming of thecontainers could be used as needed.

[0064] The filled containers 10 in the row move downstream with eachfeed of the container material web 22, eventually passing under theclosure material web 78. The open tops of the containers 10 are coveredby the closure material web 78 when the containers reach the heatsealing device 84. During the dwell, the heat sealing device 84 movesdown against the closure material web 78 and seals the closure materialto the unformed material of the container material web 22 surroundingthe open upper ends of the containers 10. The fluent material F is nowsealed inside the containers 10. The containers continue to be attachedto the container material web 22 and are now also attached to theclosure material web 78. The attachment is illustrated by the dashedlines on the closure material web 78.

[0065] At a subsequent dwell, the row of sealed containers 10 is alignedwith the punch 86 and die 88 which are actuated to cut through theclosure material web 78 and container material web 22 to separate thesealed containers from the webs. The containers 10 fall through theholes 88A in the die 88 onto the belt conveyor 28. The belt conveyor mayrun continuously to carry the loose containers to the box B. In theillustrated embodiment, the containers 10 simply fall into the box B(i.e., are tumble packed). It will be understood that other finalpacking arrangements within the knowledge of those of ordinary skillcould be used. The remnants of the container material web 22 and theclosure material web 78 continue on around the second guide roller 82 tothe take-up roller 24.

[0066] When the bag 16 is exhausted of fluent material F, it may beremoved and replaced with a new bag. The exhausted bag 16 can bedisposed. It will be appreciated that none of the machinery of theapparatus 12 comes into contact with the fluent material F in thepackaging operation. The bags 16 themselves, rather than the fluentmaterial F, are acted upon by the pump 18 to cause the containers 10 tobe filled so that the bags may serve as the aseptic surfaces in theapparatus 12. Of course, the container material and the closure materialmust be aseptic when conditions require it, but in every circumstance itwill be easier to keep the parts of the apparatus 12 which handle thismaterial clean. It will not be necessary in the ordinary course to cleanthe fluent material from the apparatus 12.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 9, a second embodiment 100 of the bag has sixnipples 102 which are resealable. In this embodiment, the nipples 102take the form of tubes formed separately from a body 104 and attached ina suitable manner, such as by welding, adhesive or mechanicalfastener(s) to achieve integration with the bag material which forms thebody. However, the nipples 102 may be formed in one piece with the body104. As before, the nipples 102 continue to be part of the bag 100whether formed separately from the body 104 and attached or formed asone piece with the body. The resealability feature improves flexibilityand reduces waste because a bag 100 may be partially used, resealed, andthen used later in the same or different apparatus. Plugs 106 areincluded for each nipple 102 for insertion into or over the open endswhich function as caps to close and seal the open ends.

[0068] Each plug 106 may be selectively removed to re-open thecorresponding nipple 102. Although the plugs 106 may be separate andindependently attachable, the preferred configuration as shown in FIG. 9includes a stringer 108 which connects the plugs together at a fixedspacing corresponding with a spacing of the nipples. The stringer 108and plugs 106 collectively define a plug device, indicated generally at110, which may be attached to all nipples 102 simultaneously to closethe bag 100 and block removal of fluent material F from the bag. Thestringer 108 includes a finger grip portion 109 which facilitatesremoval of the plugs 106 from the nipples 102. For this embodiment, thenipples 102 are preferably formed of a highly resilient material tobetter maintain a general shape of the cross sections (i.e., circular)after repeated deformation and facilitate sealing installation of plugs106 in the open end of a nipple. However, the plugs 106 could beinstalled in nipples 102 made of a limp material provided a sealingarrangement is maintained at the open end. Structure to reform thenipples after deformation may be separately provided.

[0069] The bag 100 may be provided from the manufacturer or processingplant with the plug device 110 pre-installed after the bag is filledwith fluent material. The bag is preferably filled in an asepticenvironment at the processing plant, and/or may be sterilized afterfilling. When ready for use, the user installs the bag 100 in theapparatus and removes the plug device 110 to simultaneously unseal allnipples.

[0070] The user may dispense fluent material F sequentially from two ormore flexible bags having the same construction as bag 100. Afterdispensing from a first flexible bag 100, the user seals the open endsof the nipples 102 by inserting the removable plugs 106 into the openends. A second flexible bag (not shown) is positioned for dispensing,unsealed, and squeezed by the apparatus as needed for dispensing fluentmaterial. These steps may be repeated by sealing the open ends of thenipples 102 of the second bag, and re-positioning the first bag or athird bag and unsealing it for use.

[0071] A check valve 112 is located in the outer end of each of thenipples 102 to inhibit unintentional flow out from the nipples,including dripping. The valve 112 may also serve to prevent back flow.It is understood that many types of conventional check valves may beused which are well known to those skilled in the art and are not hereindescribed. One example type of check valve 112 comprises two oppositeresilient flaps (not shown) which are shaped to remain engaged in aclosed position until internal pressure exceeds a predetermined level,at which point the flaps separate to open the valve. In general, thecheck valves 112 will not open unless pressure within the nipples 102exceeds a level corresponding with that when the nipples are deformed orsqueezed.

[0072] In lieu of loops 40, the bag 100 of the second embodiment has ahanger 114 (FIG. 9) for hanging the bag. The hanger 114 comprises a flatregion on a side of the bag 100 generally opposite the nipples 102. Theflat region has at least one opening 116 therein for mounting the bag100 on the support 14. The bag 100 of FIG. 9 is shown in an invertedorientation. On installation (e.g., FIG. 11), the bag will hang from thehanger 114 with the nipples 102 extending downwardly so that gravitywill assist the movement of fluent material into the nipples and theninto containers 10. However, the bag 100 can be used in any orientationwith movement of fluent material achieved solely by external pressureand pumping, without departing from the scope of this invention.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 9A, a third embodiment 120 of the bag hasnipples 122 of differing internal volumes for use in deliveringdifferent quantities of fluent material F with improved accuracy. Atleast some of the nipples 122 have different diameters than the othernipples to hold a different quantity of fluent material. The use of sucha bag 120 will be explained in more detail hereinafter. It is understoodthat variations in volume other than by diameter do not depart from thescope of this invention.

[0074] A second version of the pump is indicated generally at 132 inFIGS. 10-15. The pump 132 includes a frame 134 having a stationarycrosspiece and first and second platens 136, 138 mounted on the frame.The first platen 136, like the shuttle 50 of the first embodiment, islaterally slidable relative to the frame 134. The second platen 138comprises a portion of a door panel 140 which is pivotally connected tothe frame 134 at outer hinges 142 (FIGS. 10 and 11), but laterally fixedin position relative to the frame. However, the second platen 138 may belaterally moveable without departing from the scope of the invention.Protruding latch members 144 on the door panel 140 are receivable inslots 146 on the frame 134 to secure the door panel at a closedposition. The frame 134 includes mounts 148 to receive the openings 116and hang the bag 100 on the frame.

[0075] The first and second platens 136, 138 are adapted to receiveportions of at least one of the flexible bags 100 therebetween. Grooves150 on the platens 136, 138 are arranged in corresponding, generallyopposed pairs and sized for receiving the portions of the bag. In theillustrated embodiments, the grooves 150 are sized for receiving thenipples 102. As shown in FIG. 11, the nipples 102 are received betweenthe first and second platens 136, 138, although another portion of thebag 100 such as the body 104 may be received therebetween withoutdeparting from the scope of this invention. Movement of the first platen136 squeezes the nipples 102 and deforms them, thereby increasinginternal pressure and expelling the fluent material contents. The firstplaten 136 moves between a first position 152 (FIG. 13A) in which thefirst and second platens 136, 138 define a first space 154 forcontaining the nipples 102 and a second position 156 (FIG. 13B) in whichthe first and second platens define a second space 158 for containingthe nipples.

[0076] The grooves 150 of the first and second platens 136, 138 aregenerally in registration in the first position 152 and at leastpartially out of registration in the second position 156. Accordingly,the second space 158 is smaller than the first space 154. As the platensmove from the first position 152 to the second position 156, the nipples102 are deformed by squeezing along the grooves 150 such that fluentmaterial F is forced through the check valves 112 and expelled fromouter ends of the nipples 102. As shown in FIG. 12, an upper pincher 160is extended to block the nipple 102 above the platens 136, 138. A lowerpincher 162 is retracted to open the nipple 102 below the platens.Accordingly, fluent material F will flow in the downward direction whenthe nipple 102 is squeezed between the platens 136, 138. The pump may berun in reverse so that fluent material F flows in the upward direction.The lower pincher 162 is extended and the upper pincher 160 isretracted, such that when the nipple 102 is squeezed by the platens thematerial within the nipple moves upwardly and returns into the body 104of the bag.

[0077] The invention provides flexibility in a variety of options formetering the flow to provide a desired quantity of fluent material. Afirst option is to vary the speed of operation of the pump 132 bycontrolling the frequency of cyclical motion of the first platen 136 andpinchers 160, 162. A second option is to vary the length of the strokeof the pump 132. As shown in FIG. 14, the first platen 136 has a strokeS extending from the configuration shown in solid to that shown inphantom. Thus, the nipple 102 is squeezed, re-opened and squeezed againin a single stroke. A fairly continuous flow of fluent material F may beachieved by repeatedly moving the first platen 136 back and forththrough the stroke S. The stroke S can vary to correspondingly vary thequantity of fluent material which is expelled per cycle. For instance,the first platen 136 may move from the position 152 shown in FIG. 13A inonly one direction to squeeze the nipple 102, or the movement in bothdirections may be lessened so that the grooves 150 are less out ofregistration at the ends of the stroke to reduce the quantity of fluentmaterial delivered, as illustrated in FIG. 15. The first and secondplatens 136, 138 are at a third position 164 (FIG. 15) in which thefirst and second platens define a third space 166 for containingnipples, the third space being smaller than the first space 154 andlarger than the second space 158.

[0078] A third option in metering flow is variation in volume providedby the grooves 150 to affect volume of fluent material dispensed. Thedifferences in groove volume may be accomplished by different widths(FIG. 16A) or by different lengths (FIG. 16B) between correspondinggrooves 150 of at least one groove pair. The volume of materialdispensed per stroke approximates a differential volume in the grooves150 between the first and second positions 152, 156 (i.e., thedifference in volume between the first space 154 and second space 158).The bag 120 of FIG. 9A is used with the version of the pump shown inFIG. 16A. Each nipple 122 is received into a correspondingly rigidgroove 150.

[0079] A third version of the pump indicated generally at 170 isillustrated in FIGS. 17A and 17B. The pump 170 having a double set ofpairs of grooves for simultaneously pumping from multiple flexible bags100 or from one bag having a greater number of nipples (not shown). Thepump 170 includes a first, moveable platen 172 with grooves 173 on twoopposite sides. A second platen 174 and a third platen 176 are mountedon the frame in laterally fixed position. The second and third platens174, 176 each have grooves (designated 175 and 177 respectively) whichare in generally opposed relation with respective grooves 173 of thefirst platen to define groove pairs. The first and second platens 172,174 are adapted to receive nipples 102 of the flexible bag 100. Thefirst and third platens 172, 176 are adapted to receive nipples 102′ ofanother bag (identical to bag 100). The first, second and third platens172, 174, 176 are mounted for movement relative to each other between afirst position 178 (FIG. 17A) in which the groove pairs of the first andsecond platens and the first and third platens each define a first spacefor containing the nipples 102, 102′ and a second position 182 (FIG.17B) in which the first and second platens and the first and thirdplatens each define a second space for containing the nipples. Thesecond space is smaller than the first space, such that fluent materialF contained in the nipples 102, 102′ is expelled when the platens moveto the second position.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 18, a fourth version of the pump 190 includesmultiple, separate first platen elements 192. Each of the first platenelements 192 is adapted to receive a respective nipple 102 and tooperate independently of the other first platen elements. Morespecifically, each platen element 192 is mounted on a shaft 191 forpivoting relative to a platen mount 193. The platen mount forms part ofthe first platen. Each is mounted for movement relative to the otherfirst platen elements 192 and relative to a second platen 194 betweenfirst and second positions 196, 198. An advantage of the pump 190 isthat a selected number of nipples 102, less than or equal to all of thenipples, may be squeezed to expel a desired quantity of fluent materialF.

[0081] A second embodiment of the present invention comprises amerchandiser, indicated generally at 200, for selectively dispensingfluent materials and for point of sale mixing of fluent materials. Themerchandiser 200 is in the form of a beverage dispenser for dispensing abeverage containing a mixture of beverage components. Referring to FIGS.19-21, the merchandiser 200 includes a cabinet 202 having a front door204 hingedly mounted on the remainder of the cabinet and an interiorcompartment 206. It is to be understood that “cabinet” also encompassesbuilt in, as opposed to stand alone merchandisers. A selector indicatedgenerally at 208 is associated with the cabinet 202 for actuation by acustomer to initiate operation of the pump 132 to dispense fluentmaterial. Preferably, the selector 208 is located on the front face 204of the cabinet, is coin operated, and includes selection indicators 209(FIG. 19) as conventionally known in the vending machine industry. Inthis sense, the term “coin” refers to money of all forms includingmetallic coinage and paper currency. A conventional money receptacle210, coin return 212, and cup holder 214 are positioned on the cabinet202.

[0082] A mount which in the illustrated embodiment comprises pegs 216(FIG. 20), removably mounts at least one flexible bag 100 of fluentmaterial in the interior compartment 206. In a typical application, eachbag 100 holds a beverage of a different flavor or a component of a drinkmixture. The provision of the bags ensures that the merchandiser 200 iseasily supplied with fluent material. The bags may be readily removed,are disposable, are easily replaced, and avoid the need for cleaning themerchandiser. The entire delivery conduit is replaced each time the bagis replaced. When the material forming the bags 100 is transparent orpartially transparent, visual inspection of a material upper surface 220(FIG. 20) is possible for detecting low quantity and the need forreplacement.

[0083] The pump 132 is mounted in the cabinet and receives at least aportion of each flexible bag 100 (e.g., receives five nipples 102 fromfive bags) and deforms each bag to produce flow of fluent material outof the bag without contact of the fluent material by the pump. Anadvantage is reduced likelihood of contamination, such that certaincomponents of the merchandiser 200 may be made of a greater variety ofmaterials (e.g., not restricted to stainless steel). The pump 132mounted in the cabinet 202 may have the configuration of any theembodiments described above.

[0084] The merchandiser 200 facilitates dispensing material exclusivelyfrom one flexible bag 100, or alternatively facilitates mixing ofbeverage components to produce a desired mixture. In the configurationof FIG. 20, each flexible bag 100 is about the same size. In theconfiguration of FIG. 21, one flexible bag 222 is considerably largerand may contain a fluent material which is needed to be mixed with otherfluent materials. A mixing chamber 224 is provided, and there may beadditional mixing in the article into which the materials are dispensed(i.e., a cup) before the beverage is consumed. The merchandiser 200 maybe constructed to simultaneously dispense fluent material to severalarticles.

[0085] The bag 100 provides that the fluent material F is never exposedto ambient air until it is expelled from the merchandiser. Bags aredisposable and take up less volume than rigid containers.

[0086] A third embodiment of the present invention comprises a modifiedmerchandiser 230, shown in FIG. 23, which is adapted for slidingreception of multiple flexible bags 100 into the cabinet simultaneouslyin side-by-side position. The mount of the merchandiser 230 includesretractable tracks 231 mounted on the cabinet 202 so as to permitlimited range of sliding motion between a retracted position within aninterior compartment 206 of the cabinet and an extended positionprojecting partially from the compartment. The second track 231 from theright is shown in the extended position. A slide 232 for each of thetracks 231 is capable of sliding into and out of the track. The slide232 is mounted on a respective one of the bags 100, which depends fromthe slide. Thus by sliding the slide 232 into the track 231, the bag 100is mounted in the compartment 206. Each bag 100 may have its own slide232, or the slide may be made readily released from one bag andre-attached to another. FIG. 23 illustrates an empty bag 100′ removedfrom the corresponding track and a full bag 100″ ready for insertioninto the cabinet. Parts of the merchandiser 230 which are the same asthe merchandiser 200 are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0087] A block diagram of a control system 240 of the merchandisers 200,230 is shown in FIG. 22. The selector 208 is connected to a control 242which is responsive to the selection indicators 209 to select from atleast two different operation modes of the flow control (indicated asthe pump 132 on FIG. 22) to dispense fluent material. The control 242 ispre-programmed with quantities of fluent materials and/or flow controlmetering instructions for various selections from the selectionindicators 209. The selection indicators 209 are capable of selectingmodes of operation of the pump 132 which differ in at least one of thefollowing ways: the amount of fluent material dispensed and the flexiblebag 100 or bags from which fluent material is dispensed. At least one ofthe modes of operation the pump 132 is adapted to dispense fluentmaterial from at least two flexible bags 100 at the same time. Thatprovides for mixing of fluent materials. The pump 132 is adapted todispense fluent material from at least one of the flexible bags 100 inall modes of operation of the flow control.

[0088] In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects ofthe invention are achieved and other advantageous results attained.

[0089] When introducing elements of the present invention or thepreferred embodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and“said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements.The terms “comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to beinclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than thelisted elements.

[0090] As various changes could be made in the above without departingfrom the scope of the invention, it is intended that all mattercontained in the above description and shown in the accompanyingdrawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limitingsense.

What is claimed is:
 1. A merchandiser for selectively dispensing fluentmaterial from a flexible bag of fluent material, the merchandisercomprising: a mount for supporting at least one flexible bag of fluentmaterial; a flow control adapted to receive at least a portion of saidone flexible bag and to deform the bag to produce flow of fluentmaterial out of the bag without contact of the fluent material by theflow control; a selector for actuation by a customer to initiateoperation of the flow control to dispense a selected fluent material. 2.A merchandiser as set forth in claim 1 wherein the selector is coinoperated.
 3. A merchandiser as set forth in claim 2 wherein the selectorincludes selection indicators adapted for manipulation by the customerto select from at least two different operation modes of the flowcontrol to dispense fluent material.
 4. A merchandiser as set forth inclaim 3 further comprising a cabinet having an interior compartment, themount being located in the interior compartment.
 5. A merchandiser asset forth in claim 4 wherein the cabinet is sized and shaped forreceiving multiple flexible bags of fluent material and the flow controlis adapted to receive portions of more than one of the flexible bags,and wherein the selection indicators are capable of selecting modes ofoperation of the flow control which differ in at least one of thefollowing ways: the amount of fluent material dispensed and the flexiblebag or bags from which fluent material is dispensed.
 6. A merchandiseras set forth in claim 5 wherein in at least one of the modes ofoperation the flow control is adapted to dispense fluent material fromat least two flexible bags at the same time.
 7. A merchandiser as setforth in claim 6 wherein the flow control is adapted to dispense fluentmaterial from one of the flexible bags in all modes of operation of theflow control.
 8. A merchandiser as set forth in claim 1 wherein themount is adapted to support multiple flexible bags of fluent material,and the flow control is adapted to receive portions of the flexible bagssimultaneously.
 9. A merchandiser as set forth in claim 8 wherein theflow control comprises a shuttle pump including a first platen and asecond platen in generally opposed relation with the first platen, thefirst and second platens being adapted to receive said flexible bagportions therebetween and for relative movement between a first positionin which the first and second platens define a first space forcontaining said bag portions and a second position in which the firstand second platens define a second space for containing said bagportions, said second space being smaller than said first space.
 10. Amerchandiser as set forth in claim 9 further comprising a cabinet, themount being located in the cabinet, and wherein the second platen ismounted in fixed position relative to the cabinet, and the first platenis mounted for movement relative to the cabinet and second platen.
 11. Amerchandiser as set forth in claim 10 further comprising a third platenmounted in fixed position relative to the cabinet in generally opposedrelation with the first platen, the first and third platens beingadapted to receive said flexible bag portions therebetween, the firstplaten being movable between a first position in which the first andthird platens define a first space for containing said bag portions anda second position in which the first and third platens define a secondspace for containing said bag portions, said second space being smallerthan said first space.
 12. A merchandiser as set forth in claim 9wherein the first platen comprises multiple first platen elements eachbeing mounted for movement relative to the other first platen elementsand relative to the second platen between said first and secondpositions, the second platen and each of the first platen elements beingadapted to receive a respective one of said bag portions.
 13. Amerchandiser as set forth in claim 9 wherein the first and secondplatens each have grooves therein for receiving said bag portions, thegrooves of the first and second platens being arranged in pairsgenerally in registration in the first position of the first and secondplatens and at least partially out of registration in the secondposition, the length of the grooves of at least one groove pair beingdifferent than the length of the grooves of at least one of the othergroove pairs for dispensing a different quantity of the fluent material.14. A merchandiser as set forth in claim 13 wherein at least two groovepairs have different widths.
 15. A merchandiser as set forth in claim 9wherein the first and second platens each have grooves therein forreceiving said bag portions, the grooves of the first and second platensbeing arranged in pairs generally in registration in the first positionof the first and second platens and at least partially out ofregistration in the second position, the width of the grooves of atleast one groove pair being different than the width of the grooves ofat least one of the other groove pairs for dispensing a differentquantity of the fluent material.
 16. A merchandiser as set forth inclaim 9 wherein the flow control further comprises, first and secondpinchers located generally on opposite sides of the first and secondplatens for engaging parts of one of the flexible bag portions, eachpincher having a closing position for closing off the bag portion toflow of fluent material past the pincher and an opening position foropening the bag portion to flow of fluent material past the pincher. 17.A merchandiser as set forth in claim 9 wherein the first and secondplatens are adapted for relative movement to a third position in whichthe first and second platens define a third space for containing saidbag portions, said third space being smaller than said first space andlarger than said second space.
 18. A merchandiser as set forth in claim1 further comprising a cabinet, the mount being located in the cabinetand adapted for sliding reception of multiple flexible bags into thecabinet in side-by-side position, and for sliding removal of theflexible bags from the cabinet.
 19. A merchandiser as set forth in claim1 in combination with multiple flexible bags, and further comprising acabinet sized and shaped for receiving multiple flexible bags of fluentmaterial, and wherein the flow control is adapted to simultaneouslyreceive portions of the flexible bags, each flexible bag comprising abody and at least one nipple extending from the bag, the nipple being atleast partially received by the flow control.
 20. A merchandiser incombination with the flexible bags as set forth in claim 19 wherein theflexible bags each comprise a plug device adapted for resealably closingan open end of the nipple.
 21. A merchandiser in combination with theflexible bags as set forth in claim 19 wherein the flexible bagscomprise multiple nipples, at least two of the nipples having adifferent internal volume for dispensing different quantities of fluentmaterial.
 22. A flexible bag for use in dispensing a fluent material,the bag being formed of flexible material and shaped for substantiallyenclosing a volume for containing the fluent material, the bagcomprising a body and plural nipples, each nipple being integral withthe body, projecting outwardly from the body, and having an open outerend, the body and nipples being in fluid communication for movement ofthe fluent material from the body to the nipples, and plugs including aplug for each of the nipples for resealably closing the open ends ofsaid nipples.
 23. A flexible bag as set forth in claim 22 wherein theplugs are connected together by a stringer and collectively define aplug device.
 24. A flexible bag as set forth in claim 22 wherein thenipples are formed of the flexible material as one piece with the body.25. A flexible bag as set forth in claim 22 further comprising a hangerfor hanging the bag, the hanger comprising a flat region of the bag on aside of the bag generally opposite the nipples, the flat region havingat least one opening therein.
 26. A flexible bag as set forth in claim22 wherein at least some of the nipples have different internal volumesfor use in delivering different quantities of fluent material.
 27. Aflexible bag as set forth in claim 26 wherein the nipples are generallycylindric in shape and at least some of the nipples have differentdiameters.
 28. A flexible bag as set forth in claim 22 furthercomprising a check valve located in the outer end of each of thenipples.
 29. A flexible bag as set forth in claim 22 in combination withapparatus for dispensing fluent material from the bag, the apparatuscomprising a flow control adapted to deform the bag for forcing materialfrom the bag.
 30. A beverage dispenser capable of dispensing a beveragein the form of a mixture of fluent beverage components, the beveragedispenser comprising: a mount adapted to support multiple flexible bagscontaining fluent beverage components; a flow control adapted to receiveat least a portion of each of the flexible bags and to deform the bagsto produce flow of fluent beverage components out of the bags withoutcontact of the fluent beverage components by the flow control; and aselector for actuation by a customer to select a desired beveragethereby initiating operation of the flow control to dispense fluentbeverage components.
 31. A beverage dispenser as set forth in claim 30wherein the flow control is constructed and arranged to permit mixing offluent material from different flexible bags upon discharge from theflow control.
 32. A beverage dispenser as set forth in claim 31 incombination with the flexible bags, the fluent material in at least oneof the bags comprises a base liquid and the fluent material in at leasttwo other bags comprises flavoring added to the base liquid uponactuation of the flow control.
 33. A method of dispensing a fluentmaterial to articles which receive the fluent material comprising thesteps of: selectively dispensing fluent material to the articles throughopen ends of nipples of a first flexible bag positioned for dispensingfluent material to the articles by deforming the nipples to eject fluentmaterial therefrom; sealing the open ends of the nipples of the firstflexible bag; positioning a second flexible bag having nipples fordispensing fluent material from the nipples to the articles; selectivelydispensing fluent material to the articles through open ends of thenipples of second flexible bag by deforming the nipples to eject fluentmaterial therefrom.
 34. A method of dispensing a fluent material as setforth in claim 33 further comprising the steps of: sealing the open endsof the nipples of the second flexible bag; positioning the firstflexible bag for dispensing fluent material from the nipples to thearticles; unsealing the open ends of the nipples of the first flexiblebag; selectively dispensing additional fluent material to the articlesthrough open ends of the nipples of the first flexible bag.
 35. A methodof dispensing fluent material as set forth in claim 33 wherein said stepof sealing the open ends of the nipples of the first flexible bagcomprises inserting removable plugs into the open ends of the nipples.36. A method as set forth in claim 35 further comprising the steps of:forming the flexible bag; filling the flexible bag with the fluentmaterial; sealing the flexible bag by inserting the removable plugs. 37.A method as set forth in claim 36 wherein the step of filling theflexible bag is carried out in an aseptic environment.
 38. A method asset forth in claim 36 further comprising sterilizing the flexible bagand fluent material after said filling step.
 39. A method as set forthin claim 36 wherein subsequent to the sealing step and prior to the stepof selectively dispensing fluent material, the method further comprisestransporting the sealed flexible bag to a different location.
 40. A flowcontrol for use with flexible bags to push fluent material from the bagsby deformation of the bags, the flow control comprising: a frame; afirst platen mounted on the frame; a second platen mounted on the frame;a third platen mounted on the frame, the first and second platens beingadapted to receive portions of at least one of the flexible bagstherebetween, and the first and third platens being adapted to receiveportions of at least one of the flexible bags therebetween, the first,second and third platens being mounted for movement relative to eachother, the first platen being movable between a first position in whichthe first and second platens and the first and third platens each definea first space for containing said bag portions and a second position inwhich the first and second platens and the first and third platens eachdefine a second space for containing said bag portions, said secondspace being smaller than said first space.
 41. A flow control for usewith flexible bags to push fluent material from the bags by deformationof the bags, the flow control comprising: a frame; a first platenmounted on the frame; a second platen mounted on the frame, the firstand second platens being adapted to receive portions of at least one ofthe flexible bags therebetween and for relative movement between a firstposition in which the first and second platens define a first space forcontaining said bag portions and a second position in which the firstand second platens define a second space for containing said bagportions, said second space being smaller than said first space; thefirst platen comprising multiple first platen elements each beingmounted for movement relative to the other first platen elements andrelative to the second platen between said first and second positions,the second platen and each of the first platen elements being adapted toreceive a respective one of said bag portions.
 42. A flow control foruse with flexible bags to push fluent material from the bags bydeformation of the bags, the flow control comprising: a frame; a firstplaten mounted on the frame; a second platen mounted on the frame, thefirst and second platens being adapted to receive portions of at leastone of the flexible bags therebetween and for relative movement betweena first position in which the first and second platens define a firstspace for containing said bag portions and a second position in whichthe first and second platens define a second space for containing saidbag portions, said second space being smaller than said first space; thefirst and-second platens each have grooves therein for receiving saidbag portions, the grooves of the first and second platens being arrangedin pairs generally in registration in the first position of the firstand second platens and at least partially out of registration in thesecond position, the volume of the grooves of at least one groove pairbeing different than the volume of the grooves of at least one of theother groove pairs for dispensing a different quantity of the fluentmaterial.
 43. A flow control as set forth in claim 42 wherein at leasttwo groove pairs have different widths.
 44. A flow control as set forthin claim 43 wherein at least two groove pairs have different lengths.45. A flow control as set forth in claim 42 wherein at least two groovepairs have different lengths.
 46. Apparatus for dispensing fluentmaterial in a mixture of fluent components, the apparatus comprising: amount adapted to support multiple flexible bags containing fluentcomponents; a flow control adapted to receive at least a portion of eachof the flexible bags and to deform the bags to produce flow of fluentcomponents out of the bags without contact of the fluent components bythe flow control, the flow control being constructed and arranged topermit mixing of fluent material from different flexible bags upondischarge from the flow control.